By Touching tributes as GTFC legend departs club after a decade of service
GTFC legend, James McKeown, has received touching tributes after his exit at the club was confirmed during the weekend.
31-year-old James McKeown’s long service to a club he described as “home” has come to an end, following 11 years of dedication, hard work, and success!
During his time with the Mariners, Macca earned 506 appearances throughout 11 thrilling seasons. The Irishman also enjoyed two incredible promotions with Grimsby, stating his service between the sticks was a “pleasure and an honour”
After surpassing over 10 years of services with the Black and White Army, Macca was granted a testimonial year, a celebration which saw the local footballing community band together to pay their respects to a “club legend” and a “true hero”
John Tondeur, a Town fan and lively radio commentator, created a ‘testimonial fund’ with the hopes of raising £2,500 for the goalkeeping veteran, a fund that would be given directly to Macca as a means to offer support.
Fans were quick to donate to the initiative, issuing words of gratitude alongside generous pledges – as of Monday 13 June, the goal of £2,500 has been smashed!
“It’s been a pleasure watching you play for my team Grimsby Town over the last 11 years. A true legend”, said one thankful Mariner.
“A great keeper and deserves all our best wishes. Hope he finds another good club and successfully continues his career”, added another.
Following GTFC’s retained list announcement, the club, players, and fans rushed to thank McKeown for his loyal service, flooding Mariner social media timelines with emotional messages throughout most of the weekend.
In nostalgic fashion, Town personally thanked the club legend for his dedication in a short picture gallery accompanied by the words, “Thank you Macca”
“Doubt we’ll ever see anyone make ten years ever again! Well played Macca and thank you!”, replied one proud Town supporter.
“A legend who will never be forgotten, thanks for all the happy memories you will be sadly missed, All the best for the future”, said another Mariner.
In his emotional ‘thank you’ message to the Grimsby footballing family, Macca described GTFC as “home”, adding:
“It’s sport, it’s football and its life and fairy tales don’t happen very often”
“It’s been my pleasure and honour to play for YOUR club”
“This has become home and we have met some amazing people, fallen out with people, played with some wonderful players, and met some great staff, heard lots of rubbish, played rubbish, done ok, had a few successes and lots of failures, but I’ve bloody loved it and I’m so thankful for it on and off the pitch”
“Finally, thank you to my family letting me live my dream and sacrificing so much people don’t see”
“Time for a new challenge. UTFM”
Donations to John Tondeur’s JustGiving page can be made here.
Thank you for your service, Macca! Good luck in your future endeavours.
(Image: officialgtfc/ Twitter)
